Monday, June 3, 2013

It's time for Muggle Monday, in which I highlight a significant piece of news from the Harry Potter franchise. This is somewhat inspired by theMundane Mondayposts byThe Mundie Moms.But let's be real as to why I made up this feature: I just want the opportunity to post something about Harry Potter.

I am LOVING these new covers. I can't say that anything could ever replace the old covers in my eyes, as I have too many nostalgic memories associated with them, but I really love the artwork and I love how each cover features a key scene from Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (entering Diagon Alley for the first time and escaping the Dursleys in the flying Ford Anglia, respectively).

It makes me wonder what key scenes they're going to use for each of the next five cover releases. Any ideas? I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments!

First Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Featuring Annotations and Illustrations from J.K. Rowling Auctioned Off at Sotheby's:

One example of the annotations includes a note about Hufflepuff house on the title page of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:

"Perhaps Hufflepuff house would have the respect it deserves from the fans if I'd stayed with my original idea of a bear to represent it?"

And, under the chapter title Quidditch, Jo writes:

"-invented in a small hotel in Manchester after a row with my then boyfriend... I had been pondering the things that hold a society together, cause it to congregate and signify its particular character and knew I needed a sport... [Quidditch] infuriates men… which is quite satisfying given my state of mind when I invented it."

AIIIEEEEE!! What I wouldn't give to get my hands on this treasure! My left leg? My first born? My undying and eternal gratitude? I would give it all up, I say! I'm guessing its new owner won't be up to sharing anytime soon though, unfortunately. Ah, oh well. I guess I could start saving my pennies so that maybe one day I could afford to spare $300,000 in an auction for something like this. I can dream!

29 comments
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Love this post! :D The new covers are amazing. Wow, I want that annotated notebook! The snippets that you posted are so interesting, especially the one about Hufflepuff - I think that house deserves more respect!

Honestly I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing news about the HP series. I'm currently re-reading the series (for the first time!)

I love the new covers! I'm going to have to replace my paperbacks at some point since they're literally falling apart because I've read them so many times! I would LOVE to get my hands on that notebook! :D

I totally agree, the originals will always have a special place in my heart. They are falling apart, however, and so when I reread them (because I'm a totally HP dork and am following along with Alohomora) it might be worthwhile to get these.

While I like the new covers, I think I prefer the original! It's still great that people are continuing to appreciate Harry and Jo, though. <3 AND THAT BOOK. I NEED IT. LIKE, NOW. Wanna rob a bank with me, Aylee? We can share the book! *evil grin* Jo is actually a fantastic illustrator. Which leads me to think that the books would have been PERFECT if she'd drawn the pictures in the earlier editions of the books, instead of Mary Grandpre. She's a stunning artist as well, of course.

The Amulet guy!? I never liked his covers or that book (sorry but it's true) BUT these editions aren't that bad. I do somewhat like them. I like the Hufflepuff Badger and I am amused that quidditch infuriates men (:I wonder why there is past tense notes on this first edition. Maybe it was in her private stock and she wanted to give it away? That's strange.

Those new covers are going to be so gorgeous, I can't wait to see them all and own them all and stroke them all... I mean... No, I meant all that lol. I'm actually planning on getting the signature editions and the UK editions soon and then save up for these babies. Also, I would absolutely give my left leg for that copy! Having a bunch of her notes in it would be epic!! Also the drawing of Snape and the words in the caption are priceless! Can't wait to see the rest of the covers for these new editions.

HOW HAS IT ALREADY BEEN 15 YEARS?! That's all I really want to know. But seriously, I do really like the new covers, though I'm super nostalgic over the first covers. I don't think anything could ever replace them in my eyes :)

Right before you said "I am LOVING these new covers" I thought EXACT same thing! I really do adore them. They're nice illustrations and I like how they catch my eye and use color and just otherwise look nice. But what I really love is how they seem to capture something. I can't put my finger on it, but they seem to capture the spirit, for lack of a better word, of the book they're portraying. There's a lot of emotion. They seem to pay homage and do the stories justice. I cannot wait to see the rest of the covers.

Wow! I love that cover. The new covers seem even more detailed. They are REALLY awesome. As much as I like that special limited edition Potter book, I have to say $300,000 USD is more than my house. Woah!!!

Oh wow! I'd love to get my hands on that first edition! And like you, I have a lot of nostalgia and good feelings attached to the old covers, but these new covers are so wonderful and brilliantly done! I kind of want to buy the series all over again, but I really don't have the room. :( And then I would have to admit I'm obsessed lol wonderful post, Aylee!

I too am REALLY LOVING the new 15th anniversary covers!! And I though there was no way they'd live up to the originals but they did an amazing job!! I'm especially excited to see books 3, 6 & 7 :D Oh and I agree about Pottermore, though I still get the urge to visit now and then...what about you?! I should see if I can look up your user name next time! Oh and that special edition HP is TO. DIE. FOR. Hopefully some day we're rich enough to get our hands on something like that!! Eeeek >.< And if not, we'll give out some limbs and future children LOL Awesome post doll

I'm loving the new covers too and I would die for that rare edition! Pottermore is something I have given up trying to figure out. I loved this post and you should do them more often, Aylee. There sure is something or the other happening in our magical world. Lovely post!

Oh I just love this new artwork! Nothing against Mary Grandpre (those books will always be on my shelf and will be a lovely physical memory of some of my favorite parts of childhood), but I do love seeing a new take on the series. Thanks so much for sharing, and I love the concept of Muggle Monday. :-)

Generally I am not all that impressed with cover redesigns (even anniversary ones). But I have to say I absolutely love new Harry Potter designs. They're gorgeous. Is it bad to own more than one set of those books?